The human population of Texas is projected to nearly double in the next 50 years. The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1 in 1997 initiating a regional water planning process for the state. Additional requirements were added as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 2 during the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001. Senate Bill 3 was passed in 2007 and established a stakeholder driven, science-based process for setting environmental flow standards. Regional water planning groups are responsible for developing plans that ensure sufficient water will be available at a reasonable cost to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare; to further economic development; and that protect the agricultural and natural resources of the area. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) participates as a non-voting member in the water planning and environmental flow standard setting processes by providing information and technical assistance. TPWD's goal is to provide technical expertise and data to water planners and regulators to help ensure sufficient water quality and quantity for plants and fish while providing safe, dependable water for Texans for the next 50 years.
